Busting Myths About Dental Hygienists

Our Hygienist Team

You can find out more about our wonderful team of Hygienists here: https://www.drdc.co.uk/about/our-team/. Veronika, Julia and Catalina make up our trusty team of Hygienists; they will look after you and your Oral Health, creating a tailored plan that suits you and your needs. They too will be Busting Common Myths About Dental Hygienists, at every visit… your gums will thank them for it! Our Kent based dental practice was established in the 1980s and is a one stop shop for your oral health, cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry needs; we often feature in local publications such as Dartford Living.

“You only need to see a hygienist if you have gum problems”

Some people assume that visiting a hygienist is only necessary if there’s something wrong.  In reality, regular hygiene appointments are an important part of preventive care. Hygienists help reduce the risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay and even bad breath; to find out more about preventing bad breath check out this advice from the Oral Health Foundation https://www.dentalhealth.org/bad-breath or speak to your Hygienist.

Like routine dental check-ups, hygiene visits are about keeping your mouth healthy before problems start.

“Hygienists work under dentists and can’t treat patients directly”

While it used to be the case that you needed a referral from a dentist to see a hygienist, this is no longer true. In the UK, dental hygienists can now see patients under what’s known as “direct access”. This means you can book an appointment with a hygienist without seeing a dentist first, provided the practice offers this option.

Hygienists must stay within their scope of practice, and they will always refer you to a dentist if they identify a concern that needs further diagnosis or treatment.

“Hygienists can’t do much for serious gum problems”

Some assume that hygienists only handle minor gum issues, however they can manage and support the treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. This includes more in-depth cleaning below the gumline, known as root surface debridement. They also play a key role in ongoing care to manage chronic gum conditions. If more complex treatment is needed, they work closely with dentists or specialists to ensure appropriate care.

“Seeing a hygienist is painful”

It’s not unusual for people to worry that hygiene treatment will hurt. The truth is that most patients find the experience comfortable. If your gums are inflamed, there may be some sensitivity during treatment, but hygienists are trained to work gently and to adapt their approach based on your comfort. Local anaesthetic can be used for deeper cleaning.

“Electric toothbrushes and floss make hygienists unnecessary”

While a good oral hygiene routine at home is essential, it doesn’t replace professional care. Even with excellent brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can still build up in hard-to-reach areas. Hygienists use tools that remove deposits you simply can’t reach at home. They also provide personalised advice to improve your technique and help keep your mouth as healthy as possible.